German Awards - 1842 Fire Relief Medal

This medal was established on May 8, 1843 by a decision of the Senate of the Hanseatic city. The medal was awarded in gratitude for selfless help during the city fire in Hamburg on May 5-6, 1842. Particular attention was paid to the fire services that took part in extinguishing the fire. Medals for foreign firefighters were made with the ability to carry with a parallel ear. Local fire medals were not received. The big city fire in Hamburg was the biggest disaster for the city so far. In addition to more than 4,200 buildings, 3 churches were destroyed, the material of the bells and the copper of the roofs of which were used to make medals. More than 20 thousand residents were left homeless. The construction of the city took place with international assistance, and new contracts in maritime trade helped to restore the city. The medals were made in Bremen by N. H. Wilkens. A little earlier, a large Firefighters Medal of Honor (135 mm) was already established, which was awarded to firefighters as a flag medal.

Round medal made of bronze and copper alloy with a raised border. A parallel eye is soldered on top.

Front side:

• Central image of Hammonia on a plinth. In the left is the steering wheel.
• The right outstretched hand holds a laurel wreath.
• In the background is an ancient ship hull, curved upward, a shield? and the remains of the wall .
• On the left under the wreath, higher along the edge, the number of the year is 1843 -.
• On the right above the edge, the date is MAY - 8 -.
• Under the baseboard is a small - WILKENS - FEC. - J.D. G. DEL. -.

Downside:

• On the margins there is an inscription: - DAS - GRATEFUL - HAMBURG - TO YOUR FRIENDS - IN - DER - NOTH -
• - 1842 - MAI - 5-8 - upper 6-ray star.
In the
• center is a large wreath of dense oak foliage, crosswise tied in each quarter.
In the
• center of the wreath is the coat of arms of Hamburg. The corners partially overlap the wreath.

Tape:

red 32 mm wide, white edges 1 mm, white side stripes 5 mm.